Creators Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk sought to work on something darker and more challenging after the brightness of FOX’s Glee, even shooting on location in the 1908-constructed “Murder House,” before building sets to match it. Many notable stars of the series have woven in and out as well, as Connie Britton nearly appeared in Season 3's Coven, and both Freak Show’s Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka turned down roles in Season 1.